A giant observation wheel planned for Orlando's International Drive is one of a handful in the works in cities such as Las Vegas and New York.

The 425-foot wheel at I-Drive Live was initially expected to open in 2013 but has been pushed to summer or fall of 2014. In the meantime, several companies in other U.S. destinations have solidified their own projects.

In Las Vegas, dueling observation wheels are being planned for either side of the famed strip, both taller than Orlando's and with projected opening dates in late 2013 and early 2014. Last month, New York City topped them all, saying it wants to build the world's tallest wheel on the Staten Island waterfront. At 625 feet, that attraction will offer views of the Manhattan skyline.

Smaller wheels already exist across the country. Many are in the 200-foot range, like the Seattle Great Wheel and the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel. Those attractions will be dwarfed by what developers have planned.

"Right now, It is the icon du jour," said Dennis Speigel, president of International Theme Park Service Inc. in Cincinnati.

Ferris wheels, as they're more commonly known, were simply out of vogue for the past 35 to 45 years, Speigel said. Most of the amusement parks that had them took them out, but the massive London Eye brought them back into fashion. At 443 feet, it is hundreds of feet taller than a standard Ferris wheel, which used to measure about 36 to 50 feet tall, Speigel said.

The modern versions have large enclosed capsules that hold up to 40 people and in some cases serve food and drinks. The individual cars can be rented out for private parties, making the observation wheels quasi-rides and quasi-social hubs.

"You can have a party. You can have an event," said David Codiga, executive project director for The Linq, a project by Caesars Entertainment that will include the 550-foot-tall High Roller observation wheel, which expects to begin operating in early 2014.

"The wheel is an attraction for all demographics. Anybody can ride, from the youngest to the oldest," Codiga said.

The High Roller's primary competition will be the Skyvue Las Vegas, across from Mandalay Bay on the Las Vegas Strip. The 500-foot-tall wheel is slated to have a 50,000-square-foot LED screen on each side.

In New York, officials are hoping 4.5 million people a year will eventually take a ride on the New York Wheel, slated to open by the end of 2015. They're also hoping that the development will give visitors a reason to spend some time — and money — on the New York City borough of Staten Island.

In Orlando, the I-Drive Live wheel will be part of a 19-acre development in the midst of International Drive. The project is slated to feature a Madame Tussauds wax museum and a Sea Life Aquarium, as well as retail and dining.